Collect home ideas that inspire you

Building a home from scratch can feel overwhelming. However, according to Paal’s design consultant Narelle Jarman, creating an inspiration book or mood board can help enormously.

This consists of a collection of pictures, samples, textures or colours that reveal what you like, and what you imagine including in your new home.

“You could be putting this together at the beginning, even before you start to choose your house design,” says Narelle. “It allows you to get your thoughts together and sort through what you’re actually wanting.”

Keep Your Eyes Open

Narelle suggests looking through magazines or on Pinterest to find pictures or ideas that inspire you.

“If you see something in a magazine, tear out the page, write or circle what it is you like, and put it in your book. You’ll never find the magazine when you want it.”

The collection might be a physical book, perhaps with plastic sleeves to which you can easily add images, or even a digital collage of ideas.

“You don’t have to use everything you’ve collected, but if you know where you’re heading, it can help keep you focused,” she says. “ You’ll filter it when the time comes.”

All In The Detail

Narelle suggests dividing your book or board into separate sections such as bedrooms, bathroom or kitchen, and then working through each space.

“Don’t limit it to your home’s interior. You can do it for everything – landscaping, exteriors, even the overall feel you’re trying to achieve.”

She recommends adding as much detail as possible with fabric swatches, paint and tile samples, even flooring, which ultimately helps ensure the flow and compatibility of finishes, fixtures and fittings.

How Does It Help?

An inspiration book or board brings into focus the direction of your style or design. It can save time and money in the long run, with less chance of error or feeling overwhelmed. Plus it helps avoid misunderstandings between two people, creating a home together.

“You can talk about what you envisage, while thinking you’re both on the same page, but you might not be,” says Narelle.

“However when the other person sees a picture, they’ll definitely say whether they like it or not – so it can really clarify the direction you’re going in.”

When you meet with Narelle for your complimentary design consultancy, you’ll have clear ideas to work with, making the process even more efficient. “We can cut out other options and focus on what you’re trying to achieve,” she says.